China develops recoil-free machine gun for drones

The North University of China has created a machine gun with almost zero recoil for drones, advancing unmanned warfare technology.

Its engineers and scientists adjusted this AK-47 so that firing it is as light as tapping a keyboard.

As a result, people can install the weapon on consumer drones or toy robotic dogs.

READ: AI algorithm prepares us for a drone-filled future

Yahoo Finance reports China has gained a significant advantage over other nations by developing such weapons.

Consequently, more countries will likely adapt to this technology.

How does this drone machine gun work?

Professor Liu Pengzhan’s team at the North University of China’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering developed this unique AK-47.

They drilled a hole at the rear of the gun barrel, releasing the gas shock wave from the explosion after firing the weapon.

Also, they developed a new design with a high-strength seal at the rear and an electromagnetic induction chip to maintain bullet speed. 

The chip ignites an explosive and launches a bullet once it receives a firing command.

Then, pressure vents through the hole, reducing recoil and maintaining high muzzle velocity. 

In other words, the design prevents the machine gun from “shaking” while firing, ensuring its accuracy. 

The weapon fires 7.62 mm bullets typically used by the AK-47 rifle.

Also, its bullets travel at a speed of 740 to 900 meters per second (2,427 to 2,952 feet per second) at 10 meters. 

Its simple structure and low manufacturing cost enable people to install it into consumer drones and toy robotic dogs.

The team published their findings in the peer-reviewed academic journal Acta Armamentarii. 

Why drones are the future of warfare

China’s machine gun for drones is part of the global trend of drone warfare.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia proves the combat effectiveness of these unmanned flying machines.

The BBC reported that Russia has been deploying “kamikaze” drones against Ukraine.

These are Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones the Russians outfitted with a warhead on its nose. 

Dr. Oleksandra Molloy, a senior lecturer in Aviation at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), explained why more armies are using drones.

She said they “provide lethality at range, low cost and with economy of effort that can be used in the air, land and sea.” 

Malloy discussed in the Australian Army Research Center that drones can detect enemies at sea and evacuate the wounded on land.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are relatively inexpensive compared to conventional military systems. 

As a result, drones can strain a military’s budget by forcing it to deploy expensive weapons against cheaper ones.

They can be highly effective against militaries that rely on a small number of highly expensive assets. 

For example, a militia can deploy $700 drones against 70 Abrams tanks worth $20 million.

Major General Mick Ryan stated in his book “War Transformed:”

“In war, those who plan and lead the fighting must constantly seek to outthink, out-maneuver and to out-fight the other side.”

Hence, militaries worldwide will likely develop their own drone programs and anti-UAV strategies.

Eventually, drones will dominate the future of warfare.